House Drybourne

House Drybourne is one of the oldest human houses and they are proud of this fact. They can trace their beginnings to the island kingdom of Cranait, which was founded shortly after the Dragons left and as such they are known seafarers. They control the largest navy of all the noble houses, rivaled by only the Elves of house Montaillon. Their identity is based on their relation with the sea, and they were the last house to convert to the Draconic faith and still retain some traditions the Church considers heathen.

While not the richest, they do own some iron mines on Dwarfstone isle. Apart from that their economy is mostly based on fishing and whaling, as well as agriculture. They own the city of Drybourne which is the home base of their navy.
Their largest asset is their navy, which is the largest in the Kingdom. They use their navy to patrol the northern coast and hunt pirates as well as exact large tolls for passage through their waters.

House Drybourne began as the elders of a village in the interior of Dwarfstone isle. They were commoners and as such had no noble name. In around 200 AD Alcfrith earned them the name Drybourne by participating in a raid on the mainland and saving the life of the king of Cranait. He was named Drybourne for being born in the interior of the island and not on the coast.
Along with the name, the family was given some holdings on the island. They grew in influence and wealth and proved themselves great sailors and warriors. In around three generations they became one of the most influential noble houses in the kingdom of Cranait, which had spread onto the mainland. They received some holdings on the mainland themselves and soon expanded their borders further and further.
In around 600 AD the kingdom of Cranait fell apart due to civil war and house Drybourne lost most of their island holdings, but they retained their territory on the mainland. They became independent and were a considerable force in the area. They raided along the northern coast, until the Abinteaus to the west of them allied with neighbouring Elven kingdoms and declared war on the Drybournes in order to put a stop to the raids.
Some of the most storied heroes of the house lived during their time warring with the Elves, as the war lasted for over 150 years. They grew their navy even larger during this time and became more than a regional power, controlling the northern sea. The war ended in a stalemate, but the Drybournes put their navy to good use, taking Dwarfstone isle in its entirety and expanding east along the coast and south along the river Brittle.
House Drybourne was the last on the Northern isle to join the Kingdom of Ancaepya, and did so on very generous terms. After having defeated most of the minor kingdoms in the north the Ancaepyan army started to march into Drybourne land, but was soon halted as they received news the Drybourne navy was waiting outside Wickaryn and threatening to burn the city. Negotiations ensued, and the Drybournes swore fealty to king Marcellus I Danothes and accepted the Draconic faith. In return they were recognised as a great house and were allowed to keep all of their holdings and the size of their navy wasn't limited.